TOLLFREE 1-888-474-1171 - 952-474-1171 - Fax (952-474-5522)
Cruising Lake Minnetonka, MN     Excelsior Bay Charters - 436 Union Place - Excelsior, MN 55331



We will work with you on every detail of your event, making sure nothing is overlooked, from florist recommendations, to live music or entertainment, to menu selections.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Can we take a look at your yachts?
Absolutely, We welcome you to come on out, just give us a call to set up a time, due to cleaning crews and the boats leaving the docks, generally mornings are best.

Who caters your food for you?
Just two blocks from the Excelsior docks, We have our very own, fully equipped, commercially licenced and inspected kitchen!  Our professional Chefs should delight you!  Our customers tell us they return to us for many reasons including our food, and say we have some of the best chicken and ribs around!
 
May I bring a wedding or special cake onboard?
You are more than welcome to bring your own cake. Or it may be delivered directly to us, let us know.  Oversized refridgeration is available. Our crew will cut and serve, using our service ware or use your special items. There is a small galley charge for this service.
 
Are there vegetarian or special diet options available?
Our chef will be happy to work with you on any menu substitutions you may need.

Are outside alcoholic beverages allowed?
No, due to Minnesota state Law, we do not allow any outside alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages to be brought on board. If we do not carry a particular product let us know and we will see what we can do.

May we tentatively hold a boat? (Pencil in)
Yes, we will hold a boat for you up to 3 days, unless another party is requesting the same date and time, at that time you will have the first option to confirm your date. We do ask that a deposit be immediately made by check, or credit card.

What is required to book a boat?
A confirmed charter agreement and a fully refundable deposit of $300.00. Deposits are fully refundable 30 days prior to charter date. Please refer to the back of your charter agreement for complete details.

When is our final passenger count and payment due?
Final passenger counts are due 5 days prior to your cruise. Only count increases will be allowed within 5 days prior to the cruise. Final payment must be paid in full prior to the charter or date of the charter.

Do we go rain or shine?
Absolutely, Our yachts can become fully (see-thru) enclosed on the outside upper decks, and our salons are climate controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions, we monitor the national weather service radio station. The boat may remain dockside until the weather conditions improve. Please keep in mind that weather patterns change and severe weather usually passes quickly. Excelsior Bay Charters assumes no responsibility for circumstances that arise due to a weather related cause. The charter time does start at the specified charter agreement time. No adjustments will be made due to your decision of cancellation of weather.

What is Our cancellation policy?
Cruise deposits will be refunded in full if your event is cancelled 30 days prior to the event date. Cruises cancelled within the 30 days are non-refundable deposits. See your charter agreement for complete terms.

What are our payment options?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, along with corporate checks. 

Is state sales tax included?
Sales tax is not included. A 6.5% State Sales Tax will be added to all food, non-alcoholic beverages and equipment.. A 9% Minnesota Liquor Tax will be added to all alcoholic beverages.

Tipping ?
There will be an 18% service charge applied to cruise and food. Excelsior Bay Charters has complete discretion as to its use and distribution. This enables us to pay our captains and 1st mates an increased hourly rate that is partially funded by this service charge. Tipping is allowed and appreciated during cruises.

May we bring our own decorations?
Absolutely yes, with the exception of clear tape, confetti, rice, or colored paper macae’.

Are children allowed?
Of course!  We do ask that responsible adults accompany their children at all times!!  We do have USCG approved life jackets for all children and adults, let us know at the dock or anytime underway.  Excelsior Bay Charters or State law does not require the use of life jackets for children, however it may be recommended.  We do not have life jackets for toddlers or infants and encourage you to bring them along.

Are our yachts Handicap accessible?
Regretfully, we offer vary limited/no handicap accessibility.  We are able to accommodate most wheel chairs once onboard, however assistance would be needed.  Neither of our boats meet the state guidelines for handicap accessibility such as bathrooms, walkways, ramps or stairs.  We will do our best to help accommodate your special needs.

Are there bathrooms aboard?
Yes, each yacht has at least two bathrooms. (Heads)

Catering?
Due to Health and Insurance regulations, we cannot allow any leftover food to be taken off the boats.  All food and beverages must be purchased from Excelsior Bay Charters.  With exceptions, ask us.

We don’t drink alcoholic beverages?
We stock non-alcoholic beer. Orange, cranberry, pineapple and grapefruit juices, Pepsi service, as well as bottled water. Let us know if you have a special request.

Can we chose a location to be married?
Yes, the boat is yours, inside or outside, front bow or upper deck, our cordless mic system will insure everyone shares your experience.  We suggest that you come out and take a look at our yachts!!  On the water we can take you to your favorite spot, or we can make a recommendation, whether you prefer quiet waters or being in the middle of it all!!   
We pride ourselves in being flexible and are eager to assist you in developing just the wedding you desire.

What are our music and entertainment options?
Live music is permitted as background music only. We must approve of this in advance, No exceptions!  We have a fully computerized Cordless microphone and music system aboard the SummerWind and the Linda Lee.  With a fairly large variety, and volume of tracts.  The sound is exceptional!!  However, since we sometimes operate near residential areas on Lake Minnetonka, We are not permitted to have unreasonable or amplified levels of volume on the outside deck areas, volumes will be kept to background type levels. 
 
Audio / Video / Visual Equipment?
A full range of A/V equipment is available, as well as on-board technical support when requested at an additional charge.

Liability / Damages
Liability for damage to any of our premises- owned, leased, rented, gifted or by association, and or, to any other, or combination thereof, and or Our Yachts will be the sole responsibility of the function sponsor- (listed on the Charter Agreement). Excelsior Bay Charters will not be responsible or liable for damage or loss of any personal belongings, equipment or materials of the function sponsor, attendees or other. Excelsior Bay Charters reserves the right to charge an appropriate and or exuberant fee for any damages, and or extensive and or special cleaning if deemed necessary. It is agreed that a cruise event is a “ride at you own risk” attraction.

Alcohol policy
Law prohibits alcohol consumption by persons under the age of 21. Please bring your identification. Excelsior Bay Charters reserves the right to refuse alcohol service to passengers who appear intoxicated, or possibly for any other reason, at our discretion. All alcohol must be served by Excelsior Bay Charters staff. Misconduct that compromises the safety of the passengers, crew, or our property will result in the immediate termination of the cruise. Any cruise that is terminated due to any misconduct will render the group responsible for all billable event fees, no refunds will be made.
This has never been an issue in 19 years of service to you- Thank you!! 

THANK YOU

We appreciate and value your business and consider it our privilege to serve you and your guests.

 
To check availability, and for reservations, 
Please call Chuck at  952.474.1171

Our Mission Statement

To uphold and foster our current trendsetting level of standards for Lake Minnetonka’s Dinner Cruise boat industry.  Remaining fluid in our thinking and stable in our business practices, utilizing and founding cutting edge technology.  Instilling in, and insisting upon our crew personnel- Service, Safety, Knowledge and confidence, while Providing a smashingly far superior onboard experience.